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1 of 5The base engine for the 2014 Mazda 6 is a 2.5-liter four cylinder making 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.

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2 of 5The Mazda 6 can go from 0-60 mph in an estimated 8.2 seconds.

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3 of 5Mazda will also offer the 6 with a diesel engine. We can't wait to drive it!

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4 of 5The Mazda 6 is a good combination of sporty driving characteristics and fuel economy.

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5 of 5The interior layout is simple but pleasing with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces.

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What is it?

Following the successful launch of the CX-5 crossover last year, Mazda aims to continue its sales momentum with an all-new Mazda 6 midsize sedan. The 6 is the second vehicle to go on sale featuring the entire portfolio of Mazda’s fuel-saving Skyactiv technology, including a new family of engines, transmissions and lighter bodies, and suspension components. Like every car company, Mazda hopes to capture a bigger chunk of the biggest automobile segment in the United States.

At launch, the 6 will be offered only with a direct-injection 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The engine is connected to either a Skyactiv six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda worked extensively on the engine to boost efficiency by redesigning the pistons and injectors to lower combustion temperatures and speed up the combustion time to eliminate knock. A 4-2-1 exhaust manifold was also developed for improved flow. The work results in an engine that features a 13:1 compression ratio and runs on regular, 87 octane fuel.

For diesel fans, Mazda has also announced that the 6 will be offered with a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder, but sales do not begin until the second half of this year. More details about that engine will be released as we get closer to the on-sale date.

On the transmission front, the manual features shorter and crisper throws thanks to a shorter shifter and lower-viscosity fluid. There also is a hill hold assist feature for easier launches on inclines.

More work was done on the automatic that includes both a torque converter and wet clutches. At speeds less than 5 mph, the torque converter is used for smooth take-offs and at higher speeds, the lock-up clutches provide more immediate shifts. Mazda says the automatic is good for a 7 percent gain in fuel economy and claims that it’s more efficient than a dual-clutch and continuously variable transmissions.

The body structure has 20 percent more high-tensile steel, compared to the outgoing model, for less weight without compromising strength. In all, 58 percent of the body is now composed of high strength steel.

All those steps together yield a midsize sedan that receives an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for manual-equipped models. With the automatic it gets an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. That stacks up favorably with the heavy hitters in the segment, including the Honda Accord that gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, and the Nissan Altima with its 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway figures.

Mazda is also expanding options for the latest 6 with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, front obstruction warning, rear cross-traffic alert and smart city brake support.

Finally, the new 6 continues with Mazda’s Kodo design language that was first seen in production on the CX-5 crossover.

What is it like to drive?

We first sampled a base Sport model equipped with the six-speed manual and were delighted with the gearbox operation. The shifts were crisp and bordered on Miata-like with short throws, while the lightly weighted clutch was easy to work. The hill-hold assist was also appreciated on a few occasions.

The 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine performs admirably, with linear power delivery and is impressively smooth. Throttle response is lively to make rev-matching for downshifts entertaining for a midsize sedan.

Where the 6 really shines is when you toss it around a little. It stays well planted in corners, with the 17-inch Yokohama Advan A83 tires providing good grip and little body roll. Steering is quick to respond to inputs with a fair amount of weight tuned into the electric power steering system. Brake performance is also a strong suit with almost instant bite from the top of the pedal stroke.

We also saddled up in a range-topping Grand Touring model with the automatic transmission. We were quite impressed. Shifts from the gearbox were slick. In regular drive mode it would run up through the gears quickly in the name of fuel economy. Passes and merging were done easily enough with a kick-down that would drop a couple of gears and get you into the meat of the powerband in short order.

The manual shift function with steering wheel-mounted paddles was responsive for downshifts, but was a bit lazy to response to upshift commands.

Grand Touring models get 19-inch wheels wrapped with Dunlop SP Sport 5000 rubber that are incredibly quiet on the road. Hardly any tire noise penetrates into the well-isolated cabin.

A knock on the 6 is ride comfort that can be described as harsher than the best sellers in the segment. Smaller bumps are easily damped out by the suspension but you do feel jolts from bigger road imperfections. In no way can you call the ride jarring. It’s just firmer.

The interior is pleasing with a simple layout that’s easy to work through. There are high-quality materials throughout -- from the soft-touch surfaces that make up the majority of the dash to the tasteful chrome trim. Seats offer a fair amount of side support and kept us comfortable throughout our roughly three hours of drive time.

Do I want it?

If cars such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu bore you to tears with underwhelming looks and lackluster drive characters, then, yes, you want the 2014 Mazda 6. It’s been the most athletic driving vehicle in the segment, and the new model continues that tradition.

In addition to having the sportiest entry, the Skyactiv equipment now gives the 6 a strong fuel economy argument, which is something that Mazda had previously lacked in comparison with its rivals.

The Kodo design is attractive and gives the 6 a clean visual punch with the flowing character line that runs from the front quarter panel to the front doors. However, the rear end does look a bit bland to our eye.

Most exciting is the forthcoming diesel engine that will certainly give the Volkswagen Passat TDI a run for its money. The Mazda certainly trumps the VW in a beauty contest and in the handling reflexes department. It’s safe to say we are eagerly waiting to get a crack at driving the diesel-powered 6.